22 Students Receive Governor's Cup Scholarships to Postsecondary Education

Today, Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter announced 22 students have received scholarships to Idaho colleges and universities through the 2010 Governor’s Cup.

More than 600 students applied for the scholarships. The 22 awarded students were selected by the Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship Fund Inc.’s 16-member board of directors for their commitment to public service, academic achievement and community involvement.

Through this scholarship, these students will receive $3,000 per year, renewable for up to four years, or two to three years for professional-technical programs. Because of record fund-raising this year, the Governor was able to award three more scholarships than in 2009.

Here are this year’s recipients, along with their high schools and the schools that they will attend in the fall:

Academic Scholarships – four-year programs:

• Brett Arnell – Oakley High School – attending Brigham Young University-Idaho
• Emily Baird – Rocky Mountain High School, Meridian – Attending Boise State University
• Megan Beck – St. Maries High School – Attending Boise State University
• Shantyl Betty – Pocatello High School – Attending Boise State University
• Anna Cantrell – Rimrock High School, Bruneau – Attending University of Idaho
• Jamie Chatham – Liberty Charter School, Nampa – Attending Lewis-Clark State College
• Sean Dahlman – Wood River High School, Hailey – Attending College of Idaho
• Brooke Ellis – Liberty Charter School, Nampa – Attending Brigham Young University-Idaho
• Elizabeth Gibbs – Culdesac High School – Attending Lewis-Clark State College
• Grace Hicks – Liberty Charter School, Nampa – Attending Northwest Nazarene University
• McKenzie Jemmett – Parma High School – Attending Idaho State University
• Elizabeth Kidd – Declo High School – Attending Idaho State University
• Filiberto Martinez – Murtaugh High School – Attending College of Southern Idaho
• Colleen McHail – Kootenai High School – Attending University of Idaho
• Daniella Puga – Caldwell High School – Attending Boise State University
• Clinton Robertson – Melba High School – Attending Boise State University
• Tracy Sedano – Jerome High School – Attending Idaho State University
• Makenna Underwood – Pocatello High School – Boise State University
• Morgan Wiedmeier – Cole Valley Christian High School – Attending Northwest Nazarene University

Professional Technical – two- or three-year programs:

• Miguel Cabral – Murtaugh High School – Attending College of Southern Idaho
• Vanessa Lopez – Caldwell High School – Attending College of Western Idaho
• Ashlynne Uria – Homedale High School – Attending College of Southern Idaho

“It’s encouraging that such worthy and deserving students are matched by such generous and committed sponsors of the Governor’s Cup Scholarship program,” Governor Otter said. “Even during the depths of the economic downturn from which we’re beginning to emerge, our sponsors remained engaged in the important work of helping to prepare our future leaders, professionals, innovators and entrepreneurs for the next challenges we’ll face, and these students kept their hopes and dreams alive for a brighter future for themselves and for Idaho. They all have my gratitude and my congratulations.” 

A huge thanks to all the companies and organizations that helped sponsor the Governor’s Cup.  This year’s “premier” and major sponsors were:

• Qwest – Premier Sponsor
• Hecla Mining Co. – Premier Sponsor
• Micron Technology Foundation
• Blue Cross of Idaho
• Potlatch
• The Coeur d’Alene Tribe
• J.R. Simplot Co.
• Premier Technology
• Mountain View Hospital
• AREVA Enrichment Services

A reception honoring the recipients is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23 in room EW-42 on the Garden Level of the State Capitol. Recipients will receive certificates and have a photo opportunity with Governor Otter and First Lady Lori Otter.

~ Melissa M.